Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer (VPAA/CAO) serves as the University's senior academic leader and a strategic partner to the President in shaping the future of Christ-centered higher education through a biblical, Wesleyan perspective.

As a member of the President's Cabinet, the VPAA/CAO provides visionary leadership for the University's academic mission and champions an educational experience that cultivates a deeper encounter with God, meaningful engagement in learning, global awareness and influence, and a lifelong commitment to serving others in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Through academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership, the VPAA/CAO advances the University's mission and prepares students to lead, serve, and thrive in a changing world.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Academic Leadership & Vision

  • Provide strategic leadership for the University's academic mission, ensuring alignment with the President’s vision, institutional priorities, and long-range goals.

  • Partner with the President, Cabinet, faculty, and academic leaders to advance academic innovation, growth, and student success.

  • Champion a culture of faith integration, academic excellence, and transformational learning.

• Faculty and Academic Affairs Leadership

  • Recruit, develop, support, and evaluate academic leaders and faculty to advance excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and spiritual formation.

  • Provide leadership and oversight for academic deans, academic support units, and faculty personnel processes, including professional development, evaluation, and advancement.

  • Foster a collaborative and intentional academic culture grounded in shared governance, accountability, and mission alignment.

• Academic Quality, Accreditation, and Institutional Effectiveness

  • Ensure the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of academic programs and student learning experiences.

  • Lead accreditation, assessment, program review, and institutional effectiveness efforts to support continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

  • Promote innovation and data-informed decision making to strengthen educational outcomes and organizational effectiveness.

• Institutional Leadership and Stewardship

  • Advise the President on academic, strategic, and regulatory matters affecting the University, including faith integration, program and revenue development, and the use of emerging technologies.

  • Provide stewardship of Academic Affairs resources, including budgets, personnel, and operational priorities, in coordination with the President, EVP/COS, Deans, and HR.

  • Prepare reports and recommendations for the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees.

  • Represent the University in academic, professional, accreditation, regulatory, and community settings.

  • Participate in the spiritual life of the University, including engagement at required weekly chapel services and other significant campus events.

• Personnel Leadership

  • Direct Supervision of Dean of Faculty, Dean of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and (future) Dean of Graduate Programs/Academic Affairs.

  • Indirect oversight of Curriculum and Instruction, Registrar’s Office, the Learning Resource Center, and staff program coordinators.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Terminal, Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or University.

• 3+ years as a full-time faculty member.

• 5+ years of experience in higher education administration at a regionally accredited college or University in the area of academics (including accreditation and assessment).

• 5+ years of engagement in the Church of God (Anderson) is strongly preferred

• Engagement in a local church with a Christ-centered, biblical, Wesleyan perspective is required.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Experience with higher education technologies, including student information and learning management systems.

• Familiarity with accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness reporting systems.

• Ability to learn and effectively utilize University specific software and technology platforms.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sit, stand, walk, and move through campus facilities for meetings, events, and academic functions.

• Use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods of time.

• Visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus for reading printed and electronic materials.

• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Maintain the stamina and concentration necessary to manage multiple priorities, attend meetings, and perform executive leadership responsibilities throughout the workday.

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The position requires regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, trustees, accrediting agencies, and external partners. Work may occasionally occur outside normal business hours to support University events and commencement activities. Limited regional and national travel may be required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.